Why REHOLSTER a CCW?

[Charles S]

Yeah, but been where and done what? I don't carry because I want to be a cop. None of us do. We carry for protection in the gravest extreme. I'm not going to be enforcing any laws or court orders, thankfully. Nor am I a uniformed officer (which is probably a good thing for the community at large).

I agree with you 100%. I honestly hope my firearms skills are skill that will never be tested.

So why the fixation on learning from ex-cops?

Quite simply, because it is the best source of practical, reliable information. I agree that it does not always translate 100% to civilian carry, but some instructors have taken the time to make some of their classes more applicable to civilians.

Ayoob, Izumi are two excellent examples.

Cos,

For me there is no completely correct answer. I prefer to learn from those who have been in harms way, versus those who make it up as they go along. (I have been in those classes also).

Take a few really good courses, you obviously think things through, and then determine what knowledge and skills you can incorporate into your system and what is not really applicable to you.

Do take a look at the CTAC.

Good luck,

Charles

 

[Cosmoline]

I'm not refusing to take courses, don't get me wrong. I've gotten a lot out of instruction over the years. But I do think that as a general matter the CCW community needs to start standing on its own two feet and not simply be getting its "text" from Mas, Skeeter & Co. Indeed there's a great deal of danger in getting too hung up on LEO or military tactics and viewing them as the sine qua non of carrying.

For example, IMHO a civilian packing heat needs to pay much more attention to learning how to RUN AWAY than an LEO. The fine art of packing it up and buggering out can be your best defense. But it's easier said than done when the bullets fly. Learning to use my sidearm not to enforce laws but to cover my retreat is probably more important to me than it would be to a trooper. And I must say I don't know who trains this way out there, if anyone does. Think about it for a second. How many range courses are there out there that teach you the precise logistics and tactics of how to high tail it when the bad guy targets pop up?

These are just some thoughts to bounce around though.

 

[Charles S]

Cos,

you and I agree much more than we disagree.

For example, IMHO a civilian packing heat needs to pay much more attention to learning how to RUN AWAY than an LEO. The fine art of packing it up and buggering out can be your best defense. But it's easier said than done when the bullets fly.

I agree 100%

Learning to use my sidearm not to enforce laws but to cover my retreat is probably more important to me than it would be to a trooper.

I agree 100%, but classes I have taken have taught me how to utilize a handgun to cover my retreat. Egress is, arguably, the single most important tactic most CCW holders should know.

And I must say I don't know who trains this way out there, if anyone does. Think about it for a second. How many range courses are there out there that teach you the precise logistics and tactics of how to high tail it when the bad guy targets pop up?

Mr. Miculek at Bang inc., Mr. Clint Allen, Mr. John Farnam, and just to name the ones I have actual experience with. I understand that how to utilize a handgun in retreat is also taught at LFI.

Other instructors I have take have not addressed this topic. Honestly of all of the above mentioned instructors Mr. Miculek spent the most time on it.

Again, I agree 100% that retreat is a skill we should know, practice and utilize. Then again, I hope I never utilize a gun in self defense.

Charles

 

[Big Gay Al]

So why the fixation on learning from ex-cops?

How about because in general, they will have had the most experience in carrying concealed. Generally speaking, they've done the concealed carry routine longer than most of us. And typically, those willing to teach, usually DO have the most experience, and are willing to share their experience with the rest of us.

 

[warmrain]

"I've drawn my weapon before, BG ran off, no shots fired, no cops called, put it away and went on with my vacation as if nothing happened, once the adrenalin subsided."
The cops still need to be called. They need to be called before the BG calls them and reports some idiot brandishing. It is the first call into the PD that has the most credibility, that's just the way it is.

 

[pax]

Cosmo ~

And I must say I don't know who trains this way out there, if anyone does. Think about it for a second. How many range courses are there out there that teach you the precise logistics and tactics of how to high tail it when the bad guy targets pop up?

Marty Hayes, at the Firearms Academy of Seattle, teaches this as an underlying theme in his tactics classes.

You'd be surprised how many people have to be taught to get away instead of standing there ...

pax

 

[Big Gay Al]

I believe, most pistol combat courses take the assumption that running is not an option by the time you pull your weapon out. Let's face it, turning to run, when confronted by someone with a gun, may not be the brightest thing to do. Of course, this depends on distance between you and the BG.

 

[lawboy]

I have not read the entire thread so this may have been mentioned earlier, but I often reholster my gun while out and about. Most frequently this takes place while I am: (1) visiting a place where carry is prohibited: or (2) using the restroom at a public facility. I find it best to take the gun out of the IWB and let it rest on the floor in my pants/underwear, where it is concealed should someone bust in on me or look under the stall. A holster that does not collapse makes the reholster more secure, faster and less prone to accidents or fumbling the weapon. It is a safety issue in my opinion.

 

[dawg23]

Am I missing something? Why would ease of reholstering ever be a factor in a ccw rig?

Thankfully I'm a little late seeing this thread. Cosmoline starts off seemingly asking for advice. Then, when he gets it from several experienced members, he spends the next month debating them.